newb 84 4Runner

[Malcolm]

My 00 Cherokee got totaled on the 13th so I decided I am going to go low buck and buy an 84 4Runner. What are some of the problems and quirks of the first Gen? It has some serious quarter panel rust around the wheel well. Anyone make patch panels? I will probably just end up Hacking out the rust and Tacking in some sheet metal. I am probably going to put on a 3" 4" or 5" lift. What is the driveablitity like? Fender trimming for tire clearence?

Thanks, Malcolm.

P.S. I am going to be needing alot of parts, If you have some that you want to get rid of let me know please.

 

[fourwd1]

The only major problem, with all 80's Toy trucks, is rust.
Sheetmetal rust and frame rust. The sheetmetal you can see, but the frame isn't as obvious, because it rust's from the inside out. So once you see it can be pretty bad.

The only other thing is blown head gaskets, which can lead to a cracked head. More common on later 22R/RE's though.

My 84 Runner had the same fender rust you're refering to, on all 4 fenders. On the rear I just cut it out. I trimmed the entire wheel opening in 3" all around, then bent some metal to reattach the fender to the wheel well (inner fender). A coat of bondo and it looks decent. No more rust and a bigger opening to fit my 36's.